St. Wilfrid’s R.C. College
Excellentiaperfidum,perscientiam,peradiuvatum Faith Learning Support
Headteacher’s Welcome
It is my pleasure to welcome you to St. Wilfrid’s RC College. We are a thriving, welcoming school with the highest of expectations for all.
We are proud to form part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Educational Trust’s family of schools. Our distinct Catholic ethos, high standards and commitment to every member of our school community make St. Wilfrid’s a special place to learn and to grow, allowing each child to become the best version of themselves.
Our school motto “Excellentia per fidum, per scientiam, per aiuvatum” is lived out every day, and put simply, means that we ensure ‘excellence through faith, learning and support’.
Mrs C Lennox Headteacher
Our Shared Mission
At St. Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic College, we are committed to inspire and develop all members of our community on a journey through faith and learning.
We strive to achieve excellence and overcome challenges through mutual respect and consideration, underpinned by Gospel values and the example of Christ.
Faith and learning is at the heart of everything we do to ensure that every child fulfils their God-given potential.
St. Wilfrid
At St. Wilfrid’s RC College, staff and pupils take inspiration from Saint Wilfrid himself. Born in Northumberland and of noble birth, Saint Wilfrid is recognised as a great scholar with a combined love of learning and monastic life.
Saint Wilfrid, born in Northumbria around 634 AD, was a key figure in spreading Christianity in England. Known for his determination and passion for the Church, Wilfrid played a significant role in uniting Christians by advocating for Roman practices at the Synod of Whitby. This decision helped align the English Church with Rome, creating unity and strengthening its influence.
His perseverance, even in the face of exile and opposition from kings and church leaders, shows his unwavering faith and commitment to his mission. Despite being exiled multiple times and facing resistance to his ideas, Wilfrid’s courage in standing firm for his beliefs earned him respect and admiration.
Saint Wilfrid played a significant role in the early establishment of Christianity in the region, laying the foundations for what would later become York Minster, one of the most iconic cathedrals in England.
Whole Child Approach
“A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints.”
PopeBenedict
Like all schools, academic progress and success is paramount. However, we also prioritise the development of the individual gifts, skills and talents that enable pupils to flourish as unique human beings. Every pupil we welcome is a gift from God and it is our mandate to ensure that they become the very best versions of themselves.
At St. Wilfrid’s, we are committed to supporting parents and carers in instilling virtues and values into our young people for the benefit of our local community. More than that, we want to foster a desire to make a difference to the world in which we live.
A Family of Schools
St. Wilfrid’s, is proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
We are a catholic multi-academy Trust and currently have thirty schools, five secondary schools (four with sixth forms), and twenty five primary schools (14 have nursery provision). The Trust covers the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, we have schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Our family of schools work closely together so that can pupils can flourish. As part of the Trust effective transition is supported by our close relationships, and pupils benefit from a shared, progressive curriculum and common expectations. Find out more: www.bccet.org.uk
St. Wilfrid’s family of feeder schools consists of:
St. Bede’s, Catholic Primary, Jarrow
St. Bede’s Catholic Primary School, South Shields
St. Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, South Shields
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Jarrow
St. Oswald’s Catholic Primary School, South Shields
St. Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, South Shields
Pastoral Care at St. Wilfrid’s
Pastoral care is at the heart of our community, ensuring the spiritual, emotional and academic well-being of every pupil.
Our house system strengthens this nurturing environment by encouraging a sense of belonging as well as teamwork and healthy competition. Each house is a close-knit community, promoting leadership, responsibility and mutual respect, reflecting the school’s mission and values.
Named after local, influential saints, at St. Wilfrid’s every pupil is placed in one of the following houses:
Aidan
Bede
Cuthbert
Hilda
Margaret Clitherow
Columba
St. Wilfrid’s Way
The Three Rs - respect, responsibility and resilience, form the foundation of our behaviour and values of our community at St. Wilfrid’s, we refer to this as the St. Wilfrid’s Way.
Respect is shown through kindness, understanding and treating others with dignity; reflecting the teachings of Christ.
Responsibility means taking ownership of our actions, decisions and learning.
Resilience is the strength to overcome challenges and persevere in our efforts, trusting in God’s guidance. Together, these values embrace our school motto: Excellence through faith, learning and support.
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Curriculum
Our curriculum offers a broad and balanced approach which is underpinned by the core principle of pupils knowing and remembering more.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 to 9, pupils study a range of subjects from the Key Stage Three National Curriculum which build on foundational knowledge and skills from primary school. By the end of Key Stage Three, pupils make their subject option choices ready for Key Stage Four.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11, pupils continue to study a core curriculum including English Language, English Literature, mathematics, religious education and science with opportunities for a more tailored approach through their option choices including either geography or history and MFL alongside a number of GCSE and BTEC options. The Key Stage Four curriculum also provides the opportunity for an exciting collaboration with Sunderland College; offering unique experiences in engineering and construction.
Key Stage 5
Pupils then progress into Years 12 and 13, most pupils study three level three qualifications including A Level and advanced vocational courses or a combination of the two. A programme of enrichment, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) and personal development are also offered at Key Stage Five in order to support progression to the next stage of employment or education.
Raising Readers
The skill of being able to read, write and communicate effectively, is a fundamental part of school life. Reading allows us to explore the world, opens our eyes to different life experiences and shapes who we are.
All staff are committed to fostering a love of reading. Our Raising Readers literacy programme aims to ensure that all students leave as effective communicators.
We value reading and have dedicated curriculum time set aside for reading as part of our school day. Through daily exposure to the St. Wilfrid’s Canon, we embed positive reading habits for pupils across all key stages.
The texts come from a range of genres, time periods and authors with a combination of classics, non-fiction and more modern texts written specifically for a young adult readership.
The texts selected are designed to encourage discussion of the protected characteristics, British values and broaden our pupils’ cultural capital.
Enrichment
Enrichment is a vital component of our culture and way of life at St. Wilfrid’s. There are an exciting range of opportunities to excel and explore beyond the classroom through our rich and diverse extra-curricular and enrichment offer including (but not limited to):
A diverse range of sports
British Sign Language
Chess club
Choir, orchestra and rock band
Computer Science Club
Eco Club
John Paul ll Award
Spelling Bee
Sports Leadership
STEM club
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
World Religion Club
Chadwick’s Kitchen
Our award winning in-house catering team Chadwick’s Kitchen, provide catering services across the Trust. We use fresh ingredients to prepare healthy and nutritionally balanced meals each day. The majority of our menus are homemade by our chefs in our kitchens. Staff are trained to accommodate medical diets and work in partnership with parents to ensure these needs are met. As part of the Trust’s commitment to sustainability, we regularly review food miles and continue to work to reduce food waste.
Parents/Carers can pay for school meals using ParentPay, and can view meal choices and account balance online. This operates via a biometric (finger scanning) process, improving efficiency and removing the need for cash. Students entitled to free meals are allowed to purchase food to the value of a free school meal allowance daily. Students also have the option to bring a packed lunch (nuts or nut-based products aren’t permitted). Find out more: www.bccet.org.uk/chadwickskitchen/
History of Catholic Education
The Catholic Church was the first provider of schools and universities in England.
The earliest schools were cathedral and monastic schools, established from the late sixth century onwards. This growing network was joined by schools based on larger collegiate churches and, from the twelfth century, by the foundation of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and their colleges.
The Catholic Church currently educates over 800,000 pupils across England and Wales in 2,245 schools and accounts for around 10% of all schools. As such the Church’s stake in education is not only deeply embedded in our country’s history, but through its continued collaboration with the state, is something that remains at the heart of the Church’s mission, serving the Catholic community and contributing to the common good.
Here at St. Wilfrid’s, we celebrate this tradition, but we also welcome children of all faiths or none. All are welcome in our community.
